Berlin, May 6 (IANS): Hannover's midfielder Konstantin Rausch has joined league rivals Stuttgart on a free transfer, both sides confirmed.

The 23-year-old midfielder agreed with Stuttgart on three-year contract until July 2016, Stuttgart said on its official homepage Sunday. Russian-born Rausch wore the Hannover jersey for five years, scoring nine goals in 148 appearances, reports Xinhua.

"It's great that Konstantin settled for Stuttgart despite many other options. We clearly showed him what we intend to do with him and with the team. He is a young German player who brings great passion and mentality," Stuttgart's sporting director Fredi Bobic said.

Rausch added: "Stuttgart convinced and gave me a really good feeling to make this move. I am really looking forward to this new challenge."

Rausch is the third new arrival after midfielder Sercan Sararer (Greuther Fuerth) and goalkeeper Thorsten Kirschbaum (Energie Cottbus).